“My hands were born in Nepal. My name is Alize Mangar.” Today, we’re sharing Allize Mangar’s story as part of The Stories We Hold series. From his early days in a refugee camp to his work today as a phlebotomist, Allize’s story is a testament to resilience and the deep connection to his cultural roots. Watch the full story now. The Stories We Hold is a collaboration between @culturalconversationsnelson and @_Fresh_FM_ Huge thanks to Lottery Community Fund, who have funded this collaboration Cultural Conversations is a community-based arts hub that facilitates opportunities for people from Nelson’s former refugee and migrant communities to share music, art and storytelling through creative programmes, workshops, and events. The primary outcome of these sessions is to enhance knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for the cultural diversity that makes up the Nelson region as well as wider Aotearoa New Zealand. Cultural Conversations, Morrison Square, Nelson, New Zealand Contact: Tanya Nock tanya@culturalconversations.co.nz Website: https://www.culturalconversations.co.nz/ https://www.facebook.com/culturalconversationsnelson https://www.instagram.com/culturalconversationsnelson #TheStoriesWeHold #FreshFM #CulturalConversations #tauiwi #TeTauIhu #BehindTheScenes #CommunityStories

“My hands are from Palestine. My name is Baylasan Shram.” Today, we’re sharing Baylasan’s story as part of The Stories We Hold series. From her love for art and jewellery to her strong connection with her family, heritage whakapapa and the injustices people in her homeland face, Baylasan’s story is a beautiful expression of her identity, dreams and resistance. Watch the full story now. The Stories We Hold is a collaboration between @culturalconversationsnelson and @_Fresh_FM_ Huge thanks to Lottery Community Fund, who have funded this collaboration Cultural Conversations is a community-based arts hub that facilitates opportunities for people from Nelson’s former refugee and migrant communities to share music, art and storytelling through creative programmes, workshops, and events. The primary outcome of these sessions is to enhance knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for the cultural diversity that makes up the Nelson region as well as wider Aotearoa New Zealand. Cultural Conversations, Morrison Square, Nelson, New Zealand Contact: Tanya Nock tanya@culturalconversations.co.nz Website: https://www.culturalconversations.co.nz/ https://www.facebook.com/culturalconversationsnelson https://www.instagram.com/culturalconversationsnelson #TheStoriesWeHold #FreshFM #CulturalConversations #tauiwi #TeTauIhu #BehindTheScenes #CommunityStories

“My hands were born in Thailand. My name is Chaiyaphat Koshkarika.” Today, we’re sharing Super’s story as part of The Stories We Hold series. From growing up in Thailand to moving to Aotearoa to study, Super’s story reflects resilience, adaptation, humour and cultural exchange. Watch the full story now. The Stories We Hold is a collaboration between Cultural Conversations Nelson and Fresh FM Huge thanks to Lottery Community Fund, who have funded this collaboration Cultural Conversations is a community-based arts hub that facilitates opportunities for people from Nelson’s former refugee and migrant communities to share music, art and storytelling through creative programmes, workshops, and events. The primary outcome of these sessions is to enhance knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for the cultural diversity that makes up the Nelson region as well as wider Aotearoa New Zealand. Cultural Conversations, Morrison Square, Nelson, New Zealand Contact: Tanya Nock tanya@culturalconversations.co.nz Website: https://www.culturalconversations.co.nz/ https://www.facebook.com/culturalconversationsnelson https://www.instagram.com/culturalconversationsnelson #TheStoriesWeHold #FreshFM #CulturalConversations #tauiwi #TeTauIhu #BehindTheScenes #CommunityStories

"My hands were born in Kenya. My name is Harriet Kiano." Today, we’re sharing Harriet’s story as part of The Stories We Hold series. From growing up in Nairobi, to building a new life in Nelson, Harriet’s story is one of courage. Watch the full story now. The Stories We Hold is a collaboration between Cultural Conversations Nelson and Fresh FM Huge thanks to Lottery Community Fund, who have funded this collaboration Cultural Conversations is a community-based arts hub that facilitates opportunities for people from Nelson’s former refugee and migrant communities to share music, art and storytelling through creative programmes, workshops, and events. The primary outcome of these sessions is to enhance knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for the cultural diversity that makes up the Nelson region as well as wider Aotearoa New Zealand. Cultural Conversations, Morrison Square, Nelson, New Zealand Contact: Tanya Nock tanya@culturalconversations.co.nz Website: https://www.culturalconversations.co.nz/ https://www.facebook.com/culturalconversationsnelson https://www.instagram.com/culturalconversationsnelson #TheStoriesWeHold #FreshFM #CulturalConversations #tauiwi #TeTauIhu #BehindTheScenes #CommunityStories

"My hands were born in Colombia. My name is Wendy.” Today, we’re sharing Wendy’s story as part of The Stories We Hold series. From Colombia to a new life in Aotearoa, Wendy’s story is one of strength, heritage, and finding a unique voice. Watch the full story now. The Stories We Hold is a collaboration between Cultural Conversations Nelson and Fresh FM Huge thanks to Lottery Community Fund, who have funded this collaboration Cultural Conversations is a community-based arts hub that facilitates opportunities for people from Nelson’s former refugee and migrant communities to share music, art and storytelling through creative programmes, workshops, and events. The primary outcome of these sessions is to enhance knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for the cultural diversity that makes up the Nelson region as well as wider Aotearoa New Zealand. Cultural Conversations, Morrison Square, Nelson, New Zealand Contact: Tanya Nock tanya@culturalconversations.co.nz Website: https://www.culturalconversations.co.nz/ https://www.facebook.com/culturalconversationsnelson https://www.instagram.com/culturalconversationsnelson #TheStoriesWeHold #FreshFM #CulturalConversations #tauiwi #TeTauIhu #BehindTheScenes #CommunityStories

"My hands were born in Colombia. My name is Fernanda Bravo." Today, we’re sharing Fernanda Bravo’s story as part of The Stories We Hold series. From picking coffee beans in Colombia to finding her way to a new life in New Zealand, Fernanda’s story is one of resilience and determination. Watch the full story now. The Stories We Hold is a collaboration between Cultural Conversations Nelson and Fresh FM Huge thanks to Lottery Community Fund, who have funded this collaboration Cultural Conversations is a community-based arts hub that facilitates opportunities for people from Nelson’s former refugee and migrant communities to share music, art and storytelling through creative programmes, workshops, and events. The primary outcome of these sessions is to enhance knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for the cultural diversity that makes up the Nelson region as well as wider Aotearoa New Zealand. Cultural Conversations, Morrison Square, Nelson, New Zealand Contact: Tanya Nock tanya@culturalconversations.co.nz Website: https://www.culturalconversations.co.nz/ https://www.facebook.com/culturalconversationsnelson https://www.instagram.com/culturalconversationsnelson #TheStoriesWeHold #FreshFM #CulturalConversations #tauiwi #TeTauIhu #BehindTheScenes #CommunityStories

“My hands were born in Pakistan. My name is Shakeela Shakeel.” Shakeela’s journey in The Stories We Hold is live today. From learning henna art in Pakistan at just 6 years old to finding her voice in Aotearoa, Shakeela’s story is one of tradition, connection, and community. Watch the full story now. The Stories We Hold is a collaboration between Cultural Conversations Nelson and Fresh FM Huge thanks to Lottery Community Fund, who have funded this collaboration Cultural Conversations is a community-based arts hub that facilitates opportunities for people from Nelson’s former refugee and migrant communities to share music, art and storytelling through creative programmes, workshops, and events. The primary outcome of these sessions is to enhance knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for the cultural diversity that makes up the Nelson region as well as wider Aotearoa New Zealand. Cultural Conversations, Morrison Square, Nelson, New Zealand Contact: Tanya Nock tanya@culturalconversations.co.nz Website: https://www.culturalconversations.co.nz/ https://www.facebook.com/culturalconversationsnelson https://www.instagram.com/culturalconversationsnelson #TheStoriesWeHold #FreshFM #CulturalConversations #tauiwi #TeTauIhu #BehindTheScenes #CommunityStories

“My hands were born in Sri Lanka. My name is Kinithi Fonseka.” Kinithi’s journey in The Stories We Hold is live today. From daily prayers at home to her love for drama and expression, Kinithi’s story is one of family, creativity, and the dreams she holds for the future. Watch the full story now. The Stories We Hold is a collaboration between Cultural Conversations Nelson and Fresh FM Huge thanks to Lottery Community Fund, who have funded this collaboration Cultural Conversations is a community-based arts hub that facilitates opportunities for people from Nelson’s former refugee and migrant communities to share music, art and storytelling through creative programmes, workshops, and events. The primary outcome of these sessions is to enhance knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for the cultural diversity that makes up the Nelson region as well as wider Aotearoa New Zealand. Cultural Conversations, Morrison Square, Nelson, New Zealand Contact: Tanya Nock tanya@culturalconversations.co.nz Website: https://www.culturalconversations.co.nz/ https://www.facebook.com/culturalconversationsnelson https://www.instagram.com/culturalconversationsnelson #TheStoriesWeHold #FreshFM #CulturalConversations #tauiwi #TeTauIhu #BehindTheScenes #CommunityStories